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Orchid City #1
Meet Me in the Penalty Box
She was the one thing he couldn't have, but that wouldn't stop him from getting what he wanted.
After a nasty break-up with her ex, moving to Orchid Beach was like a breath of fresh air. Harper landed a brand new job as a sports photographer for a professional hockey team. It was just what she needed to get away from everything she had ever known. One drunken night at a club had her sneaking into another room with a stranger. But that stranger ended up being no one other than Nico Cirone. The star rookie player for the Orchid City Vipers. The same team that she was now working for. And that made him completely off limits. Nico Cirone had been at the top of his game, but as a rookie, he couldn’t afford to lose his new position. His luck felt like it was stretching thin and there was only one solution. He needed a new good luck charm. And after running into Harper, he knew that he had finally found what he was looking for. It was an easy arrangement, one they could both benefit from. He would help her forget her ex and she would help him play the best hockey he’d ever played before. It was supposed to be simple… Until it wasn’t anymore.
After a nasty break-up with her ex, moving to Orchid Beach was like a breath of fresh air. Harper landed a brand new job as a sports photographer for a professional hockey team. It was just what she needed to get away from everything she had ever known. One drunken night at a club had her sneaking into another room with a stranger. But that stranger ended up being no one other than Nico Cirone. The star rookie player for the Orchid City Vipers. The same team that she was now working for. And that made him completely off limits. Nico Cirone had been at the top of his game, but as a rookie, he couldn’t afford to lose his new position. His luck felt like it was stretching thin and there was only one solution. He needed a new good luck charm. And after running into Harper, he knew that he had finally found what he was looking for. It was an easy arrangement, one they could both benefit from. He would help her forget her ex and she would help him play the best hockey he’d ever played before. It was supposed to be simple… Until it wasn’t anymore.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2023
2931 people are currently reading
17015 people want to read
About the author
Cali Melle
31 books1,333 followersCali Melle is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes sports romance that will pull at your heartstrings. You can always expect her stories to come fully equipped with heartthrobs and a happy ending, along with some steamy scenes.
In her free time, Cali can usually be found living in a magical, fantasy world with the newest book or fanfic she's reading or freezing at the ice rink while she watches her kids play hockey.
In her free time, Cali can usually be found living in a magical, fantasy world with the newest book or fanfic she's reading or freezing at the ice rink while she watches her kids play hockey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,350 reviews
September 5, 2023
if you drink every time he calls Harper “love” you will black out by chapter 2.
July 28, 2023
I really wanted to love this one, but there was no character development. These two loved eachother without knowing anything about eachother, I’ve finished the book and still barely know anything about them.
The MMC was definitely written for women, by a woman. You could tell by the way he said everything you’d love a man to say, but everything they’d never say in real life.
Also he called her love after every, single, thing he said. I hate that term and find it such an ick!
But hey! The cover is super cute!!
The MMC was definitely written for women, by a woman. You could tell by the way he said everything you’d love a man to say, but everything they’d never say in real life.
Also he called her love after every, single, thing he said. I hate that term and find it such an ick!
But hey! The cover is super cute!!
September 28, 2023
Blowing off some steam at a local club, Harper Jensen runs into a sexy and charismatic man with whom she feels and instant connection. New to town and starting a job as a sports photographer with the Orchid City Vipers, she’s not interested in men.
When Nicolai “Nico” Cirone decides that Harper will be his new good luck charm, the calculated and persistent star rookie will stop at nothing to ensure she’s his.
Swoon. Swoony. Swooniest. Nico is all that and a box of chocolates. His determination and conviction are so incredibly sexy, not to mention his unwavering confidence in Harper. His filthy mouth doesn’t hurt either. I love that Harper stood her ground, but also recognized that the heart wants what it wants.
I’m super excited about this new series from Cali Melle and seeing other sports play a prominent role in the lives of her characters.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🥰😬🫣🥵😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Sports Romance
✨ Tropes: Friends with Benefits, Pro Athlete, Workplace
💋 Kinks: n/a
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: n/a
📣 Type: Meet Me in the Penalty Box is part of the Orchid City series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
When Nicolai “Nico” Cirone decides that Harper will be his new good luck charm, the calculated and persistent star rookie will stop at nothing to ensure she’s his.
Swoon. Swoony. Swooniest. Nico is all that and a box of chocolates. His determination and conviction are so incredibly sexy, not to mention his unwavering confidence in Harper. His filthy mouth doesn’t hurt either. I love that Harper stood her ground, but also recognized that the heart wants what it wants.
I’m super excited about this new series from Cali Melle and seeing other sports play a prominent role in the lives of her characters.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🥰😬🫣🥵😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Sports Romance
✨ Tropes: Friends with Benefits, Pro Athlete, Workplace
💋 Kinks: n/a
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: n/a
📣 Type: Meet Me in the Penalty Box is part of the Orchid City series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
August 5, 2023
I kept waiting for this to get good, especially because sports romances are a guilty pleasure of mine. But, it never got good. The characters are one dimensional, their interactions are boring and anticipated, and the writing is subpar. The author over uses the word ‘and’ (especially in the spicy scenes), I read the phrases “deep-seated” and “he’s my addiction” more than I wanted to. Honorable mention to “and he smelled like his soap.” We never knew what his soap smelled like- no descriptions just that the male main character smelled like it. I should have DNF’d.
July 31, 2023
take a shot every time he calls her love and you’ll black out a few chapters in
July 31, 2023
I have to stop reading books I find from booktok bc they always always let me down. This book sucked and I genuinely question the people that rated this highly. Have you ever read a decent book before? Do you not care about character development or any realistic plots? I only finished because I hate to DNF but it was a CHORE.
Instead of using words to actually move the story forward or show growth in the characters, the author added these superfluous descriptions of actions that made sentences feel extra long. Like I came off the rink through the door and sat next to my teammate and put down my stick and removed my mouth guard and grabbed my water and drank it while also watching the game. It’s like when a kid has to do the pbj exercise where they write the how-to instructions and have to include every minuscule detail. Just say they took a break 🤷🏼♀️
What was the point of her having an abusive ex? Or him a dead mother? What did that actually add to the story?
And dear god, what was with Nico calling her “love” after every sentence? A pet name is fine but dude not in every breath. If you took a shot every time Nico said “love”, you’d be getting your stomach pumped before you finished reading through their first interaction.
Sometimes when the plot sucks, you at least have the spicy scenes but even those weren’t good. Will not be reading the rest of the series.
Instead of using words to actually move the story forward or show growth in the characters, the author added these superfluous descriptions of actions that made sentences feel extra long. Like I came off the rink through the door and sat next to my teammate and put down my stick and removed my mouth guard and grabbed my water and drank it while also watching the game. It’s like when a kid has to do the pbj exercise where they write the how-to instructions and have to include every minuscule detail. Just say they took a break 🤷🏼♀️
What was the point of her having an abusive ex? Or him a dead mother? What did that actually add to the story?
And dear god, what was with Nico calling her “love” after every sentence? A pet name is fine but dude not in every breath. If you took a shot every time Nico said “love”, you’d be getting your stomach pumped before you finished reading through their first interaction.
Sometimes when the plot sucks, you at least have the spicy scenes but even those weren’t good. Will not be reading the rest of the series.
August 11, 2023
Plot? We don’t know her. Smut was solid though.
September 8, 2023
Finally it’s over. This was a waste of my time.
January 24, 2024
got this on stuff your kindle day, thought it would be fun and silly. it wasn’t
July 10, 2023
A cute small town sports romance??? This book was made for me??
Harper recently moved to orchid beach after a bad breakup with an abusive ex. One of her first nights in town, she decides to go to a bar. Where she has a steamy encounter with a nameless a stranger, who she eventually finds out is a rookie player on the hockey team she was just hired on to be their new photographer.
This book was spicyyyyy and fun. The two of them fall fast and Nico falls oh so hard.
I do feel like this was a touch too insta lovey for me. There wasn’t a whole lot of tension because the forbidden aspect of their relationship seemed very easily solved and I wasn’t super convinced by that part. If you want a low angst, insta lovey, spicy read this is for you though.
Thank you Cali for an arc! It comes out 7/21!
Read if you like
✨ nhl hockey romance
✨forbidden
✨ touch her and you 💀
✨ protective mmcs
✨ small town vibes
✨ she’s his good luck charm
Harper recently moved to orchid beach after a bad breakup with an abusive ex. One of her first nights in town, she decides to go to a bar. Where she has a steamy encounter with a nameless a stranger, who she eventually finds out is a rookie player on the hockey team she was just hired on to be their new photographer.
This book was spicyyyyy and fun. The two of them fall fast and Nico falls oh so hard.
I do feel like this was a touch too insta lovey for me. There wasn’t a whole lot of tension because the forbidden aspect of their relationship seemed very easily solved and I wasn’t super convinced by that part. If you want a low angst, insta lovey, spicy read this is for you though.
Thank you Cali for an arc! It comes out 7/21!
Read if you like
✨ nhl hockey romance
✨forbidden
✨ touch her and you 💀
✨ protective mmcs
✨ small town vibes
✨ she’s his good luck charm
February 15, 2024
The writing style was WAY too wattpad for me. Mildly concerning how fast Nico went from “no distractions from my career” to “this woman I’ve seen twice is the only woman for me and I will risk everything for her”.
But also, it was only ever really her job on the line, and he ignored her concerns about it and gaslight her into sleeping with him anyway. And then encouraged her to quit. And then celebrated her getting fired. Hello? Too toxic, even for me.
I DID really enjoy the scene where her ex slammed into the glass and almost broke her nose. But that was about it. The car crash made me laugh, so maybe that was a sign that this one just wasn’t for me.
But also, it was only ever really her job on the line, and he ignored her concerns about it and gaslight her into sleeping with him anyway. And then encouraged her to quit. And then celebrated her getting fired. Hello? Too toxic, even for me.
I DID really enjoy the scene where her ex slammed into the glass and almost broke her nose. But that was about it. The car crash made me laugh, so maybe that was a sign that this one just wasn’t for me.
January 4, 2024
Probably the worst book I’ve ever read. Reminds me of something I would’ve read on wattpad in 7th grade
July 27, 2023
This book looked so cute….i loved Nico at first…& then his obsession became creepy & it was a bit much
January 27, 2024
Not a lot happened
Probs will forget about it tomorrow
But quick to finish like your mum
Probs will forget about it tomorrow
But quick to finish like your mum
July 21, 2023
4 stars!
[ hockey romance | sports photographer x pro hockey player | forbidden / secret relationship | small town vibes | one night stand (sorta) | workplace ]
What a cute, feel-good hockey romance! 💖
Harper moves to the town of Orchid City for a fresh start and to move on from her past. And after an attempted one night stand with a stranger on one of her first days in town, she thinks she’s never going to see the guy again. However, to her shock, Harper finds out on the first day of her new sports photography job that he’s a hockey player on the team that she was hired to take photos for — and relationships are off-limits.
Harper & Nico’s story was full of sweetness with just the right amount of spice. I absolutely loved how protective and attentive Nico was with Harper, especially after what she had been through. He was so supportive of her dreams and respected her independence, while also fulfilling his desires to take care of her and give her everything she deserved 🥹 It was so clear that Harper was all Nico cared about, and it was just so very sweet. He also calls her “love” which seriously had me melting the whole time 🥲
I was also pleasantly surprised by the fact that there was no third-act breakup! Given the way things had been playing out, I was just waiting for the ball to drop, but it never came 🤩 I will say that Harper & Nico fall for each other pretty fast, but it makes sense given the short nature of the book, and I didn’t really mind it too much because of how cute they were 🫶
All-in-all, if you’re looking for a quick read in the form of a cute hockey romance, you should definitely pick this up! There’s also a “who did this to you / touch her and I kill you” moment, and who doesn’t love that?! I’m also super excited for the next book after how it was set up in this one 👀 This was my first Cali Melle book, and I can’t wait to read more from her! 🌸
Thank you so much to Cali Melle for an ARC of this book 💌
[ hockey romance | sports photographer x pro hockey player | forbidden / secret relationship | small town vibes | one night stand (sorta) | workplace ]
What a cute, feel-good hockey romance! 💖
Harper moves to the town of Orchid City for a fresh start and to move on from her past. And after an attempted one night stand with a stranger on one of her first days in town, she thinks she’s never going to see the guy again. However, to her shock, Harper finds out on the first day of her new sports photography job that he’s a hockey player on the team that she was hired to take photos for — and relationships are off-limits.
Harper & Nico’s story was full of sweetness with just the right amount of spice. I absolutely loved how protective and attentive Nico was with Harper, especially after what she had been through. He was so supportive of her dreams and respected her independence, while also fulfilling his desires to take care of her and give her everything she deserved 🥹 It was so clear that Harper was all Nico cared about, and it was just so very sweet. He also calls her “love” which seriously had me melting the whole time 🥲
I was also pleasantly surprised by the fact that there was no third-act breakup! Given the way things had been playing out, I was just waiting for the ball to drop, but it never came 🤩 I will say that Harper & Nico fall for each other pretty fast, but it makes sense given the short nature of the book, and I didn’t really mind it too much because of how cute they were 🫶
All-in-all, if you’re looking for a quick read in the form of a cute hockey romance, you should definitely pick this up! There’s also a “who did this to you / touch her and I kill you” moment, and who doesn’t love that?! I’m also super excited for the next book after how it was set up in this one 👀 This was my first Cali Melle book, and I can’t wait to read more from her! 🌸
Thank you so much to Cali Melle for an ARC of this book 💌
July 17, 2023
This is the first book in Cali Melle’s new small town sports romance series, Orchid City. I loved Cali’s last series, Wyncote Wolves, and I have a feeling this series will be no different, because I am now obsessed after this first book.
This book follows Harper and Nico. Nico and Harper meet one night after a chance encounter out at a club. Nico ends up having to bolt when something comes up with one of Nico's teammates. They never exchanged information besides Nico telling Harper his name. They end up meeting each other again while Harper is photographing his hockey team.
This book was sweet, spicy, fun and light. I enjoyed this read so much and fell in love with Nico right away. He was so persistent and knew what he wanted with Harper. I was obsessed with his confidence and can’t forget his dirty mouth….He was definitely a swoon worthy boyfriend with how much he showed that he cared about Harper. IYKYK about that one scene!!!! HOT!!!!!!
Harper was such a spitfire and I loved her. Nico had a mouth, but she gave some sass right back and I was here for it. I really appreciated how strong of a character she was and how she would put herself first and didn’t give into Nico so easily. But once she did…AAAHHH!!!
I cannot wait to continue this series. Thank you to Cali and team for the eARC
Tropes:
-Sports Romance
-Forbidden
-Workplace
-Small Town
-He Falls First
-Touch her and ☠️ vibes
Overall: 5
Spice: 3.5
This book follows Harper and Nico. Nico and Harper meet one night after a chance encounter out at a club. Nico ends up having to bolt when something comes up with one of Nico's teammates. They never exchanged information besides Nico telling Harper his name. They end up meeting each other again while Harper is photographing his hockey team.
This book was sweet, spicy, fun and light. I enjoyed this read so much and fell in love with Nico right away. He was so persistent and knew what he wanted with Harper. I was obsessed with his confidence and can’t forget his dirty mouth….He was definitely a swoon worthy boyfriend with how much he showed that he cared about Harper. IYKYK about that one scene!!!! HOT!!!!!!
Harper was such a spitfire and I loved her. Nico had a mouth, but she gave some sass right back and I was here for it. I really appreciated how strong of a character she was and how she would put herself first and didn’t give into Nico so easily. But once she did…AAAHHH!!!
I cannot wait to continue this series. Thank you to Cali and team for the eARC
Tropes:
-Sports Romance
-Forbidden
-Workplace
-Small Town
-He Falls First
-Touch her and ☠️ vibes
Overall: 5
Spice: 3.5
May 1, 2024
this was one of the worst books i’ve ever read in my life. the mmc, nico was literally the scariest, most psychotic, and toxic person i’ve ever had the displeasure of reading.
he never respected her boundaries and was confused as to why she wanted to be independent from him. he tried to get her to quit her job over and over again and LIVE WITH HIM when they were together for MAYBE a month. he kept saying for her not to leave him and that he wouldn’t know what to do without her…literally guilt tripping her into staying with him AND he’d always say whatever she wanted “wasn’t up for discussion”, but then he’d preach saying he’d never tell her what to do and that he always listens to what she wants…okay…..
he said he loved her in chapter 14 at 47 percent like can you get serious….tell me her favorite color, where she went to school, what are her parents names…
I can’t forget about the fmc, harper and how she had NO backbone. she’d constantly say she wanted to keep her job and stay away from him but then her next thought was like i don’t care about my job like girl please get some self respect i beg of you. she literally told nico that her ex boyfriend was controlling and toxic and HE IS THE EXACT SAME WAY. clearly she has a type and she doesn’t want to be saved.
anyways, this book was horrible from start to finish and i wish i never read it.
he never respected her boundaries and was confused as to why she wanted to be independent from him. he tried to get her to quit her job over and over again and LIVE WITH HIM when they were together for MAYBE a month. he kept saying for her not to leave him and that he wouldn’t know what to do without her…literally guilt tripping her into staying with him AND he’d always say whatever she wanted “wasn’t up for discussion”, but then he’d preach saying he’d never tell her what to do and that he always listens to what she wants…okay…..
he said he loved her in chapter 14 at 47 percent like can you get serious….tell me her favorite color, where she went to school, what are her parents names…
I can’t forget about the fmc, harper and how she had NO backbone. she’d constantly say she wanted to keep her job and stay away from him but then her next thought was like i don’t care about my job like girl please get some self respect i beg of you. she literally told nico that her ex boyfriend was controlling and toxic and HE IS THE EXACT SAME WAY. clearly she has a type and she doesn’t want to be saved.
anyways, this book was horrible from start to finish and i wish i never read it.
January 5, 2024
i wanted to like this one so badly, and really wanted to get into a hockey romance, but this just wasn’t it. the two main characters are so oddly obsessed w each other instantly yet we know nothing about them, and don’t learn much about them until some details at the end.
nico constantly calling harper “love” was disturbing to me, and his childhood friend randomly appearing for one chapter at the end made absolutely no sense. none of the characters had any depth to them which is really disappointing /:
nico constantly calling harper “love” was disturbing to me, and his childhood friend randomly appearing for one chapter at the end made absolutely no sense. none of the characters had any depth to them which is really disappointing /:
September 6, 2023
A solid 3 🌟
This was fun and I was so glad to see such a healthy relationship. Like the way they communicate. Really nice☺️
This was fun and I was so glad to see such a healthy relationship. Like the way they communicate. Really nice☺️
January 20, 2026
1.5
this book's redeeming quality is the cover. everything else was just....not great. extra half star for the cover
this is a book that desperately needed an editor. there were tense errors, sentences randomly switching from past to present tense, and the repetitive lines were driving me up the wall. i.e. count how many times the words "i signed back to her" were used in the same scene. i get it's important to show how strong the sibling bond is AND it's good representation, but we already know they're signing. it doesn't have to be pointed out over and over that he's signing back. plus, he ended every other sentence with "love" and it got really exhausting after the 30th time. ava, harper's bff (even though we don't really see anything about their friendship), does the same thing with "girl"
the pacing was a mess. no time had passed until the characters realized they were in love with each other, but they also.... didn't really know each other??? i don't know WHY they love each other besides the physical and sexual attraction because those are the only things that ever get explored. anything else is just tossed aside. as we all know, that's not all there is to a healthy relationship, so i genuinely don't get why these two were even together. but good for them for being supportive of each other's endeavors i guess
no development. no plot. no interesting relationship. zilch. nada. everything in this book is very surface level. nothing ever got explored enough to make me care. i'm disappointed
this book's redeeming quality is the cover. everything else was just....not great. extra half star for the cover
this is a book that desperately needed an editor. there were tense errors, sentences randomly switching from past to present tense, and the repetitive lines were driving me up the wall. i.e. count how many times the words "i signed back to her" were used in the same scene. i get it's important to show how strong the sibling bond is AND it's good representation, but we already know they're signing. it doesn't have to be pointed out over and over that he's signing back. plus, he ended every other sentence with "love" and it got really exhausting after the 30th time. ava, harper's bff (even though we don't really see anything about their friendship), does the same thing with "girl"
the pacing was a mess. no time had passed until the characters realized they were in love with each other, but they also.... didn't really know each other??? i don't know WHY they love each other besides the physical and sexual attraction because those are the only things that ever get explored. anything else is just tossed aside. as we all know, that's not all there is to a healthy relationship, so i genuinely don't get why these two were even together. but good for them for being supportive of each other's endeavors i guess
no development. no plot. no interesting relationship. zilch. nada. everything in this book is very surface level. nothing ever got explored enough to make me care. i'm disappointed
July 28, 2023
***4 "Ballsy!!!" stars***
"Let me ruin you, love."
"Do your worst."
A great start to a new sports romance series by Calli Melle!!!
I liked very much Niko and Harper... They were fitting really good together, even though there were complications between them...
He was in his best game and he just found his lucky charm in the face of the new photographer of the team, but you can not fraternize with a person that is working in the same environment with you, but can this detail prevent Niko from chasing, with lots of grace I will add, the girl of his dreams???
"She had just become my new obsession."
Harper just moved in Orchid City and she is trying to make a new beginning after a bad breakup...
One night out and she is hooking up with a gorgeous man that has the ability to turn her in muss....
Days later, these two are meeting again...
He is the new rookie hockey player of the team and she is the new photographer of the team...
This fact are making them off limits for each other...
But can you stay away from someone when your heart is demanding you to act upon this crazy attraction???
"I'm willing to risk it all for you, live. What about you?"
Yes, this was a sweet and fun read in a new setting by Mrs. Melle....
I like her characters and the lightness of her stories...
Niko was explosive and intriguing. That boy had felt so fast and so completely!!!
Harper was sweet and determined... I liked her spirit!!!
These two were amazing together....
And now, I can not wait for the next book of the series... I am already intrigued by Kai and Winter!!!
"I don't know that I would survive your destruction."
**I received an ARc for the exchange of an honest review**
"Let me ruin you, love."
"Do your worst."
A great start to a new sports romance series by Calli Melle!!!
I liked very much Niko and Harper... They were fitting really good together, even though there were complications between them...
He was in his best game and he just found his lucky charm in the face of the new photographer of the team, but you can not fraternize with a person that is working in the same environment with you, but can this detail prevent Niko from chasing, with lots of grace I will add, the girl of his dreams???
"She had just become my new obsession."
Harper just moved in Orchid City and she is trying to make a new beginning after a bad breakup...
One night out and she is hooking up with a gorgeous man that has the ability to turn her in muss....
Days later, these two are meeting again...
He is the new rookie hockey player of the team and she is the new photographer of the team...
This fact are making them off limits for each other...
But can you stay away from someone when your heart is demanding you to act upon this crazy attraction???
"I'm willing to risk it all for you, live. What about you?"
Yes, this was a sweet and fun read in a new setting by Mrs. Melle....
I like her characters and the lightness of her stories...
Niko was explosive and intriguing. That boy had felt so fast and so completely!!!
Harper was sweet and determined... I liked her spirit!!!
These two were amazing together....
And now, I can not wait for the next book of the series... I am already intrigued by Kai and Winter!!!
"I don't know that I would survive your destruction."
**I received an ARc for the exchange of an honest review**
November 5, 2023
that was cute 🥰
November 12, 2023
= ARC Review =
3.5⭐️
biggest thanks to Cali Melle for sending me an arc of this book 🫶🏻
Meet Me In The Penalty Box is the first standalone in Orchid City series, that is releasing July 21st.
this was a cute and sweet romance between a professional hockey player and a sports photographer.
i loved the characters. Harper never had someone who put her above all, and Nico was perfect in taking that role. ugh loved them so much 🫶🏻
i also adored the short chapters and the message threads in this book <3
overall this was such a steamy and lighthearted read you will definitely need when you’re not in the mood for romance that has a huge problem to solve.
my rating is a bit lower because i didn’t feel connected to it, and i’m pretty sure i won’t remember that much about this book either, but i had a fabulous time reading it.
p.s that sneak peek of Winter and Kai at the end of this book had me even more excited for The Lie Of Us.
3.5⭐️
biggest thanks to Cali Melle for sending me an arc of this book 🫶🏻
Meet Me In The Penalty Box is the first standalone in Orchid City series, that is releasing July 21st.
this was a cute and sweet romance between a professional hockey player and a sports photographer.
i loved the characters. Harper never had someone who put her above all, and Nico was perfect in taking that role. ugh loved them so much 🫶🏻
i also adored the short chapters and the message threads in this book <3
overall this was such a steamy and lighthearted read you will definitely need when you’re not in the mood for romance that has a huge problem to solve.
my rating is a bit lower because i didn’t feel connected to it, and i’m pretty sure i won’t remember that much about this book either, but i had a fabulous time reading it.
p.s that sneak peek of Winter and Kai at the end of this book had me even more excited for The Lie Of Us.
July 24, 2023
Book 128 of 2023
I wanted to like this one, but I just didn’t. 🤷🏻♀️
There was very little character development. We just know they liked each other. He’s instantly referring to her as “love,” which drove me bananas. He had to have called her that 50 times. I just never bought into their connection. It was way too surface level & felt like tidbits of other books I’ve already read. I truly don’t like writing negative book reviews, because I don’t want to be hurtful to the author. I know they rely on reviews & how much they help influence other readers to pick up their books. Maybe this will hit differently for someone else. It just didn’t come together for me. It felt incomplete.
Format: Kindle Unlimited
I wanted to like this one, but I just didn’t. 🤷🏻♀️
There was very little character development. We just know they liked each other. He’s instantly referring to her as “love,” which drove me bananas. He had to have called her that 50 times. I just never bought into their connection. It was way too surface level & felt like tidbits of other books I’ve already read. I truly don’t like writing negative book reviews, because I don’t want to be hurtful to the author. I know they rely on reviews & how much they help influence other readers to pick up their books. Maybe this will hit differently for someone else. It just didn’t come together for me. It felt incomplete.
Format: Kindle Unlimited
April 13, 2024
This was TERRIBLE?????? I’ve heard good things about others in this series but now I’m scared? Like I truly laughed not bc it was funny bc I couldn’t believe j was reading something like this. And the epilogue??? Taking her to the penalty box after a game to fuck? ITS WALLS OF GLASS????? Be so fucking for real!!!! I can’t believe this was real lmao
January 5, 2025
2.5/5 ⭐️
This book was just purely vibes. There was some plot, and some character development BUT DEFINITELY ALL the smut, and clearly VERY instalove. Honestly what a slay 🤭
This book was just purely vibes. There was some plot, and some character development BUT DEFINITELY ALL the smut, and clearly VERY instalove. Honestly what a slay 🤭
July 21, 2023
This was such a cute small town, hockey romance. It was a fun and spicy read and I’m a sucker for a great sports romance. This was fully a “he falls first” book and I loved Nico’s instant connection with Harper. He’s a fantastic contender for my top book boyfriends! I’m excited for the next books in this series!
January 4, 2024
3,5 stars
A fun, not too high on the drama sports romance that was a perfect quick and easy read for me. Likeable characters, very sweet romance with a sexy edge to it. The story and its development are quite simple, but it’s perfect if you’re looking for something sweet and light and sexy. Finished it in one sitting.
A fun, not too high on the drama sports romance that was a perfect quick and easy read for me. Likeable characters, very sweet romance with a sexy edge to it. The story and its development are quite simple, but it’s perfect if you’re looking for something sweet and light and sexy. Finished it in one sitting.
May 15, 2024
Dnf 53%
I really wanted to like this but it was so.. uneventful. The characters are already falling in love after 4 encounters in which 3 of them were sexual with barely any conversation and didn't give me any reason to believe their love.
I didn't hate it, but when you're rolling your eyes at love confession you know this is the moment you need to stop reading.
I really wanted to like this but it was so.. uneventful. The characters are already falling in love after 4 encounters in which 3 of them were sexual with barely any conversation and didn't give me any reason to believe their love.
I didn't hate it, but when you're rolling your eyes at love confession you know this is the moment you need to stop reading.
August 3, 2023
I devoured this book in one sitting! It was such a quick, sweet, spicy read. If you’re looking for a good book to get you out of a reading slump, this is it!
This book follows Nico & Harper. Nico is a rookie on the Orchid City Vipers professional hockey team. His main focus has always been hockey & now that he’s finally made his dream come true, he’s determined to do everything in his power to keep it. That is at least until he meets Harper one night at the club. They instantly hit it off & end up making out in a closet until they’re interrupted & Nico has to leave. A few days later he runs into her again at the last place he would expect… the hockey rink. Harper is the teams newest sports photographer. Nico instantly wants another chance with her but Harper is more hesitant after finding out he’s a player on the team & it’s against the rules to fraternize with the players. Only problem? Nico isn’t taking no for an answer. He’s used to getting what he wants & he’s got his sights set on Harper. Will they be able to keep their relationship a secret?
I loved these two together. Nico was the perfect mix of charming & sweet yet dominant, cocky, & protective. Harper was so sassy & always matched Nico’s energy. The chemistry between them? Off the charts! The spice was so good 😮💨👏🏼
I can’t wait to continue the series!
Tropes:
- Sports Romance 🏒
- Small Town
- Player x Team Photographer
- Forbidden Romance
- Workplace Romance
- He Falls First
4.5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
This book follows Nico & Harper. Nico is a rookie on the Orchid City Vipers professional hockey team. His main focus has always been hockey & now that he’s finally made his dream come true, he’s determined to do everything in his power to keep it. That is at least until he meets Harper one night at the club. They instantly hit it off & end up making out in a closet until they’re interrupted & Nico has to leave. A few days later he runs into her again at the last place he would expect… the hockey rink. Harper is the teams newest sports photographer. Nico instantly wants another chance with her but Harper is more hesitant after finding out he’s a player on the team & it’s against the rules to fraternize with the players. Only problem? Nico isn’t taking no for an answer. He’s used to getting what he wants & he’s got his sights set on Harper. Will they be able to keep their relationship a secret?
I loved these two together. Nico was the perfect mix of charming & sweet yet dominant, cocky, & protective. Harper was so sassy & always matched Nico’s energy. The chemistry between them? Off the charts! The spice was so good 😮💨👏🏼
I can’t wait to continue the series!
Tropes:
- Sports Romance 🏒
- Small Town
- Player x Team Photographer
- Forbidden Romance
- Workplace Romance
- He Falls First
4.5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
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